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A Piece of Cake
A Piece of Cake is a short, gripping story of life in wartime from Roald Dahl, the master of the shocking tale.
In A Piece of Cake, Roald Dahl, one of the world's favourite authors, tells the horrific story of a pilot whose plane crashes in the desert.
A Piece of Cake is taken from the short story collection Over to You, which includes nine other dramatic and terrifying tales of life as a wartime fighter pilot, and is drawn from Dahl's own experiences during the Second World War.
This story is also available as a Penguin digital audio download read by Julian Rhind-Tutt.
Roald Dahl, the brilliant and worldwide acclaimed author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and many more classics for children, also wrote scores of short stories for adults. These delightfully disturbing tales have often been filmed and were most recently the inspiration for the West End play, Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales by Jeremy Dyson. Roald Dahl's stories continue to make readers shiver today.
19 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1944
5 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,477 books26.7k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 13, 2019
Didn't like the story, didn't get it. Couldn't get into it. A lot of chaos in the story line.
June 9, 2025
I really admire how Roald Dahl takes his life and turns it into really compelling short stories.
July 9, 2024
okie...okie...
March 9, 2020
hmmm, savaş hikayeleri pek benlik değilmiş
January 3, 2019
Dang.
I mean, DANG.
that's a hell of a fucking dream sequence/anesthesia nightmare.
I mean, DANG.
that's a hell of a fucking dream sequence/anesthesia nightmare.
August 3, 2022
3August2022
Read as part of the collection Over to You: Ten Stories of Flyers and Flying.
Read as part of the collection Over to You: Ten Stories of Flyers and Flying.
March 8, 2021
An enjoyable, but slightly surreal, reminiscence of Dahl's action during the War that led to him being shot down over Libya (which was the original title of this work).
After reading his story Lucky Break, which is him describing the events leading up to him writing this, the first piece he ever authored, I found it even more interesting than I would have when reading it cold. It's always nice to have a bit of background on a story, and helps especially with this story as it reads almost like a fever-dream at points, so it's nice to have context.
The first thing an author writes is often quite different to their later works, due to the fact that they have not had the chance to refine their craft yet. Writers often change and grow as they produce e more, but there is usually still something in their earlier works that gives a clue to what they will go on to write.
This is true with this story, too - despite being non-fiction, there are some decidedly odd bits in it which you can see might give rise to his whimsical style later on. Furthermore, his writing style itself is really engaging and draws you in, despite being a much more raw and unpolished than I was used to from reading his later works.
It's an amazing story, and well told too. Definitely worth a read for fans of Dahl, especially ones who have read Going Solo or Lucky Break, and want to see his first work themselves.
After reading his story Lucky Break, which is him describing the events leading up to him writing this, the first piece he ever authored, I found it even more interesting than I would have when reading it cold. It's always nice to have a bit of background on a story, and helps especially with this story as it reads almost like a fever-dream at points, so it's nice to have context.
The first thing an author writes is often quite different to their later works, due to the fact that they have not had the chance to refine their craft yet. Writers often change and grow as they produce e more, but there is usually still something in their earlier works that gives a clue to what they will go on to write.
This is true with this story, too - despite being non-fiction, there are some decidedly odd bits in it which you can see might give rise to his whimsical style later on. Furthermore, his writing style itself is really engaging and draws you in, despite being a much more raw and unpolished than I was used to from reading his later works.
It's an amazing story, and well told too. Definitely worth a read for fans of Dahl, especially ones who have read Going Solo or Lucky Break, and want to see his first work themselves.
September 28, 2022
A fine short story about a pilot who crashed in the desert.
It's odd, you never really know what was reality and what was a hallucination but I think that's the point. You never know what goes through someone's mind when they've gone through a traumatic experience, especially war. And since Roald Dahl did experience it himself, I am inclined to believe that he was somewhat inspired by his own life for this short story.
I personally listened to an audiobook version of the story and I really liked the voice actor they chose for the narrator, he kinda sounded like the narrator from the Stanley Parable Games so he was really easy to listen to.
It's odd, you never really know what was reality and what was a hallucination but I think that's the point. You never know what goes through someone's mind when they've gone through a traumatic experience, especially war. And since Roald Dahl did experience it himself, I am inclined to believe that he was somewhat inspired by his own life for this short story.
I personally listened to an audiobook version of the story and I really liked the voice actor they chose for the narrator, he kinda sounded like the narrator from the Stanley Parable Games so he was really easy to listen to.
January 3, 2022
Uma vez eu sofri um acidente de carro. Até não foi muito grave, mas só dá pra saber se foi grave quando já passou; durante o acidente é só assustador e parece que nossos sentidos se aguçam e hoje em dia eu lembro desse acidente em câmera lenta. Se o meu acidente tivesse sido mais grave eu talvez tivesse sofrido pra ler esse conto, mas como estamos todos bem, eu li e entendi o conto de uma maneira muito pessoal -- guardadas as devidas proporções, claro. O pior de tudo é ver como traumas se formam e como coisas que deveriam ser fáceis (a piece of cake do título) podem se virar contra nós.
October 30, 2023
Read in 2023 as part of Over to You: Ten Stories of Flyers and Flying and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More.
September 10, 2023
This was a very short audiobook but I liked it. I had read an earlier version of this story so I am not sure if Roald Dahl fabricated some of the story content in this version. That being said, I was interested for the most part and it was great to hear about one of his terrifying experiences during WWII. The ending had a slightly haunted/disturbing feel to it as well.
December 20, 2017
Review to come!
May 28, 2020
Dahl's first published story.
July 21, 2020
I cant understand this story. Either the author wants us to experience the lucid dreams or maybe there is some deeper meaning which I can't fathom. If anyone knows then, please explain.
October 15, 2020
Roald Dahl has a unique way of bringing words to life. I read this after reading ‘Lucky Break’ as he mentioned it being his first ever story to have been published.
Currently reading
December 9, 2020I did not read
July 4, 2021
موضوعنا هو حادثه تقع لطيار مقاتل في الحرب العالمية . اتفهم السخرية السوداوية الا ان القصة مزدحمه جدا مقارنة بصفحاتها الثلاث اليتيمة .
December 21, 2022
Dragged on a bit too much for me. This is Roald Dahl's first story. Both the first he wrote, and the first published. He is a great story-teller.
October 15, 2023
Interesting true story. A little confusing but it was his first literary piece. He definitely came a long way and with a little thought one can understand this dramatic and exciting story.
December 8, 2024
Nice story about war, loneliness and friendship.
July 15, 2025
A surreal wartime crash turns into the feverdream that is Half Autobiography and Half Acid Trip. Oof. Though the Plane went down fast, the plot took it's sweet time. Little Tortoise.
July 30, 2025
A superbly surreal recalling of Dahl’s experience being shot down by German Messers which effectively put him out of the war.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews